Thursday, January 08, 2009

All three of my daughters are amazing. Each, in her own way, challenges and inspires me to buck the status quo and become the unique person I am meant to be.

During dinner the other night, Leah asked John and I if, looking back, life was all that what we had thought it would be.

I answered, "No"

and then I said, "But maybe, back then, I didn't know what life really is."

Then she asked what we would, yet, like to do/have in our lifetime.

Today I've been pondering what I want my LIFE to look like this year.

A line from the movie Shawshank Redemption really says it all: "Get busy living, or get busy dying."

And, to me, here's the difference.

Living means savoring the beauty of ordinary day duties; not just throwing things together to get it done.

Living means reading a book or watching a movie or TV show that makes me consider timeless truths or leads me to the accomplishment of my goals instead of frittering away time reading or watching things that do nothing to exhort me to excellence.

Living means taking time to listen to the Holy Spirit's still, small voice encouraging me to act on His suggestion of how I can minister to others, instead of fulfilling the obligatory expectations of the traditions of man bereft of any semblance of His love for that person because I'm too busy running the world's maze to consider his plan.

Living means throwing off the insecurity that holds me back from doing what I want or feel called to do....getting "me" out of the way...instead of thinking "I can't possibly do that, because it's too risky."

Living means believing TRUTH instead of what seems to be true.Living means being myself and ceasing to emulate others or what I think others expect me to be.

Living means getting rid of the material and mental clutter in my life instead of hoarding decaying things.

Living means thriving with purpose and not just coping with circumstances.

Living means trusting that God knows all of my needs and is faithful to meet them instead of thinking I am missing out.

I want to get busy living and share with you the practical ways I'm doing it as the year unfolds.

Friday, March 30, 2007

"On the other side of the lake the crowds received Jesus with open arms because they had been waiting for Him." --Luke 8:40

It reminded me of the fact that I am a needy, needy person and that it is okay to admit just how desperate I am; that it is not a bad thing but a very good thing, because that is the difference between those who are able to receive him with open arms and those who cannot. Those who know He is their only...only...only hope stand waiting for Him, and when He shows up....they are more than ready to receive Him.

By the way, curious to know who was on the other side, before Jesus got into the boat and came to the people with open arms, I looked back...it was the man from Gadarenes...the one who also came out to meet Jesus, but said to Him, "Why are you bothering me...?" the homeless man who roamed around in shackled chains, naked, and living among the dead. [Luke 8:22-39]

Although our compassionate Lord miraculously healed those on both sides of the lake, I would rather be one of those who quickly and willingly allows Him to show me my needs...not everyone else's.

My arms
are wide open today...bother me, Lord, so I can sit quietly at your feet, clothed and sane and....free!

Thursday, March 15, 2007

I haven't updated my 1000 Gifts list for quite some time, but I haven't forgotten about it...here are a few more things that I am grateful for:

120. My husband's 5:30 AM nudge that signals it's time to get out of bed and excercise with him121. March morning breezes122. The smell of jasmine in the air123. Meals shared around the table with Jenna, Nolan, and Trey on Wednesday nights124. My current read--Living Artfully--a book that inspires me125. Buttercups in the alley behind my house126. People willing to share their knowledge and skills via the internet127. My early birthday gift from my husband128. That Peace described at the end of this post129. Watching Leah play shortstop with so much energy 130. New mercies everyday140. This from the StoryPeople141. A hug and kiss from my husband as he left this morning142. Floppy hats on baby boys...ie Trey143. Answers to prayers uttered in dark places144. The Guittard Green Mint Chips Katy sent to us on Valentine's Day145. The wounds of a friend rather than the kisses of an enemy146. Daylight Savings Time147. Morning walks through my little neighborhood as it's just waking up ...seeing lights go on,smelling coffee brewing, wondering about the people inside...how they are greeting the morning148. The pleasure of watching the redheaded woodpecker that visits our front yard oak tree149. The beep beep beep sound of heavy equipment as men work it to improve the city150. The anticipation of shopping with Jenna for an Easter outfit for Trey

Peace

It
does not mean to be in a place were there is no noise, trouble, or hard
work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in
your heart. --Unknown

Friday, February 23, 2007

Just kidding...I think...but I haven't been around much lately, because I've been spending every free moment I have getting acquainted with my new camera. I'm smitten! If you care to follow my journey into cameraland just click on the CLICK link on my right sidebar. Just remember, I am starting out totally green...never shot with an SLR, film or digital,...in fact I'm the daughter who's dad and mom, for years, had to come 1200 miles to visit and take their own pictures of their granddaughters...they didn't get them any other way...pitiful, I know. When I got a new point and shoot camera last year....my world changed.

For those of you who have this same interest and are looking for ways to improve your photog skills let me tell you there are some wonderful resources on the web. I Love Photography is one great place to visit. You might enjoy the JSO [just starting out] area where you can read and/or join the discussion or take the challenge of doing the assignments.

"Some Christians, having been injured by a serious fall into sin, will be very careful for a while as to where they walk and the kind of company they keep. But as the soreness of their consciences wears off, they forget to keep watch and become as careless as ever....Josephus, in his Antiquities, tells us that the sons of Noah lived only on the tops of high mountains for some years after the flood, not daring to build houses on lower ground for fear of being drowned by another deluge. but as time passed and no flood came, they ventured down into the plain of Shinar where their former fear gave way to one of the boldest, most arrogant attempts against God that man ever pursued. They tried to build a tower high enough to reach heaven (Gen. 11:2-4). The very men who at first were so fearful of drowning that they would not venture down the hill, at last ventured on a plan to protect themselves against all future attempts from God of heaven to judge them. "

That last statement jumped off the page at me...am I doing anything aside from obedience in order to try to circumvent God's judgment....?

Monday, February 05, 2007

Here is today's story from The Story
People , little thought provoking stories written by artist and storyteller
Brian Andreas, I found awaiting me when I opened my inbox this morning:

"Can I count on you to
be there, no matter what? she said & I said no & she said what kind of
friend are you? & I said the kind who won't lie to you any time you want
& I think she kept me around as a curiosity after that"

My thoughts:

Sometimes we're afraid we
will lose something....esteem, relationship, respect, favor if we step out of
responding to people according to their felt needs and into responding to them
according to how the Holy Spirit is directing us...being a vessel pointing them
to Truth...